Since 1919, Americans have been celebrating a very special day on Nov. 11. Tomorrow is Veterans Day. It is a day of acknowledgment. It is a day of utmost respect and reverence. It is a day of thanks for those who helped pay the price for freedom. Please appreciate that sentiment. We stress this message each year. Our message should be your message.

Originally called Armistice Day, President Wilson first declared Nov. 11 a day of remembrance following the end of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918 — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

President Wilson set the tone of observance with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Following World War II, President Eisenhower renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day, expanding the day of memory to commemorate the sacrifices of all those who have served their country.

Those who fought in the World War II — a war fought valiantly on both sides of the globe — belong to the greatest generation in the history of the United States. That is indisputable. But we are losing a very precious commodity in our country: WWII veterans.

According to the National World War II Museum, at the end of that war the nation was the proud home to nearly 16 million veterans. At the start of 2024 the number of living WWII veterans was around 66,000 according to the Deptartment of Veteran Affairs.

Then there is the “Forgotten War.” A total of 6.8 million American fought in the Korean War. According to the VA there were 1 million-plus Korean War veterans alive in 2020. By 2030, that number will dwindle below 200,000. Those vets would be in their 90s for sure.

Also, let’s not ever forget veterans who fought in Vietnam and in the Gulf War.

Passage of time has taken so many service members from us. The scourge of COVID, as it did our general population, ravaged the numbers of veterans, too. But we must refuse to let it ever take the memories of their heroism and sacrifices away from us. Those old enough must never forget and those old enough must continue to teach our young about commitment and sacrifice.

Many schools and community groups pay respects to our veterans. Good for all of the schools involved and good for our conscientious teachers who impart knowledge into their students so that all the efforts on the battlefields, on the shores and on the mighty oceans will never be lost among future generations.

In our daily calendar and community briefs, we have listed a number of community events planned for Veterans Day. Thanks to all supporting these get-togethers. Especially schools teaching our young about what it mens to a true patriot like a veteran. Thanks, too, to the local businesses and groups supporting the Veteran Day-themed pages appearing in each of the Columbiana County Newspapers. We are proud to present such platforms.

Shame on anybody in our current times and culture trying to diminish the efforts and sacrifices made by all veterans, especially those valiantly serving during times of war. You shouldn’t have had to be around during World War II to understand and appreciate what our service men and women did for us during the most pivotal period in our nation’s history. The “Greatest Generation” is darn right. There aren’t many of them left with us.

Appreciate those serving during the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars. We must preserve and cherish the heritage created by our country-minded veterans — those who served during times of strife and those serving during times of peace. We must pass it down through our young. And let’s not overlook those active troops serving diligently across the globe.

And, we would be remiss not to declare a happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps. The Corps got its start on Nov. 10, 1775 — 250 years ago today. Two battalions of Continental Marines were formed in Philadelphia as a service branch of infantry troops capable of fighting for independence both at sea and on shore.

The Marines haven’t stopped protecting our people and our freedoms. “Semper Fidelis”: Always faithful, always loyal. Actually that applies to all service personnel of all branches who have ever served our nation.

Reflect and be grateful today. Be thankful for your freedom. Without the sacrifices of those who have served you and are serving now you would have no voting rights. How much is that right overlooked in this day and age of tumult and unrest? The democratic ideals that make the United States of America the finest nation in the history of mankind were forged and protected by our service men and women. Let’s not ever lose sight of that.

If you know a veteran, simply give him or her a few words of gratitude Saturday — a simple thank you for all they have done and sacrificed. Actually, thank a veteran whenever you can and not just each Nov. 11. And if you are a veteran, thank you very much. Our message is the same each and every year. Humbly, we salute you. Again and again. The American way remains the best way and always will. For that every single citizen in this country should be grateful.